Kia may have been relatively quiet in Malaysia’s electric vehicle scene recently, but its global EV portfolio is much broader than it may appear locally. Beyond the better-known 800V E-GMP models such as the Kia EV6 and EV9, the brand also has more mainstream electric offerings including the EV3, EV4 and EV5, alongside commercial EV products.
The spotlight in this first-drive look is on the GT versions of those everyday models: the Kia EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT. The key idea behind these variants is clear from the outset — they aim to make electric cars feel more exciting and engaging, while still keeping the practicality expected from regular family-friendly EVs.
That positioning matters because one of the biggest criticisms of modern EVs is that they can feel fast but emotionally distant compared with traditional internal combustion engine cars. Kia appears to be addressing that gap by giving its mainstream electric range a sportier edge, suggesting that fun behind the wheel does not have to be limited to premium or niche performance EVs.
Taken together, the EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT hint at a wider strategy for Kia’s electric future. Rather than focusing only on flagship models, the company seems to be extending driving appeal deeper into the lineup, which could make its more accessible EVs more attractive to buyers who want both daily usability and a more entertaining experience on the road.
